Scouts launch £250k appeal for community centre

Barford Scouts have launched a mammoth fundraising drive to bring their dilapidated hall up to scratch for use by the whole community.

The Barford Scouts and Guides Supporters Group want to raise £250,000 to replace the club’s hut and create a youth and community centre for years of village use.

The Barford Scout and Guide hut

Rod Scott, chairman of the group, said the existing building was bought from Leamington 28 years ago for just £100 - with volunteers having to dismantle it, move it over to Barford and put the whole thing back together again.

And with many different groups and organisations now using the Wasperton Lane space each week, a more modern and up-to-date facility is needed.

“This hut opened in 1990 and is nearing the end of its useful life,” he said.

“The asbestos roof leaks and needs replacing, the toilets are tiny and there are no disabled facilities. We have started looking at grant applications and fundraising and it will be a long process, possibly 18 months of work. But we will get there.

“This hut is used by so many groups, we want to make it for the use of everybody and not just the Scouts and Guides.

“We have provisional plans in place so now it is just a matter of getting funds and support in with events and grant applications.”

The group has now launched its ambitious fundraising campaign with a Big Breakfast fundraiser being the latest venture to pull in support.

Taking on a cooking challenge, youngsters welcomed 150 guests to the Memorial Hall where a chef from Pickled Pig Events came to take on the task of cooking up meals.

Assisted by 30 young waiters all eager to serve up coffee, tea and toast before getting hands on with the cleaning up effort, the day was described as a “big success” and an ideal way to get fundraising going for the hut appeal.

The morning raised around £700 which will start the fundraising before grant applications are made to help reach the ambitious target.

Money will be added to the total which now stands at over £5,679.

The support group, which has received charitable status, is also working to get a long lease from the church diocese for the land to help with funding appeals.

The hut is used by Scout and Guides groups each week, as well as sewing, church and bingo groups each week.

To find out more on the appeal or help with donations, fundraising and sponsorship, contact the team at the hut, or online via barfordscouthut.wordpress.com.